What's going on here? Darien diner getting a face lift

Workers remodel the front entrance of The West Wind Diner on Oct. 23 in Darien. The diner remains open during construction.

DARIEN--The West Wind Diner, a popular restaurant for truckers and local residents, is getting a face lift.

“We've been in the same restaurant for 14 years,” said restaurant manager Shqiprim Xheladini. “This is our way of saying, 'Thank You' to our customers.”

Xheladini is the son of restaurant owner and cook Advije Isa.

The restaurant's exterior will get a new façade that is part stone, part stucco. A new patio also will be added.

“I can see businessmen stopping there after work for a drink,” Xheladini said.

Inside, the décor will be going from “country” to “rustic modern,” he said. Ceramic tile designed to look like hardwood floors will be installed.

The restaurant eventually hopes to get a license to sell beer and wine.

Xheladini hopes to make the restaurant a little more “upscale, more of a family restaurant.” The menu will change slightly, but restaurant regulars will be able to get their favorite dishes, such as biscuits and gravy.